2008 YAMAHA WR 250R warning

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PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
EAU15593
The condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly,
even if the vehicle remains unused (for example, as a result of exposure to the elements). Any damage, fluid leakage or loss
of tire air pressure could have serious consequences. Therefore, it is very important, in addition to a thorough visual inspec-
tion, to check the following points before each ride.
NOTE:

Pre-operation checks should be made each time the vehicle is used. Such an inspection can be accomplished in a very short
time; and the added safety it assures is more than worth the time involved.
WARNING

EWA11150
If any item in the Pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected and repaired before operating
the vehicle.

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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
EAU15950
WARNING

EWA10270

Become thoroughly familiar
with all operating controls and
their functions before riding.
Consult a Yamaha dealer re-
garding any control or function
that you do not thoroughly un-
derstand.

Never start the engine or oper-
ate it in a closed area for any
length of time. Exhaust fumes
are poisonous, and inhaling
them can cause loss of con-
sciousness and death within a
short time. Always make sure
that there is adequate ventila-
tion.

Before starting out, make sure
that the sidestand is up. If the
sidestand is not raised com-
pletely, it could contact the
ground and distract the opera-
tor, resulting in a possible loss
of control.
EAU45310
NOTE:

This model is equipped with a lean an-
gle sensor to stop the engine in case of
a turnover. To start the engine after a
turnover, be sure to turn the main
switch to “OFF” and then to “ON”. Fail-
ing to do so will prevent the engine from
starting even though the engine will
crank when pushing the start switch.
EAU45120
Starting the engine
In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:

The transmission is in the neutral
position.

The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the sid-
estand up.
WARNING

EWA10290

Before starting the engine,
check the function of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system ac-
cording to the procedure
described on page 3-18.

Never ride with the sidestand
down.
1. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to “ ”.
CAUTION:

ECA16130
The following warning lights should
come on for a few seconds, then go
off.

Fuel level warning light

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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Coolant temperature warning
light

Engine trouble warning light
If a warning light does not go off, see
page 3-2 for the corresponding
warning light circuit check.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
NOTE:

When the transmission is in the neutral
position, the neutral indicator light
should be on, otherwise have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.
NOTE:

If the engine fails to start, release the
start switch, wait a few seconds, and
then try again. Each starting attempt
should be as short as possible to pre-
serve the battery. Do not crank the en-
gine more than 10 seconds on any one
attempt.
CAUTION:

ECA11130
For maximum engine life, always
warm the engine up before starting
off. Never accelerate hard when the
engine is cold!
EAU16671
Shifting
Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.
NOTE:

To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it.
CAUTION:

ECA10260

Even with the transmission in
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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9the engine oil must be changed, and
the oil filter cartridge or element re-

placed.
1600 km (1000 mi) and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.
CAUTION:

ECA10270
If any engine trouble should occur
during the engine break-in period,
immediately have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
EAU17212
Parking
When parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
WARNING

EWA10310

Since the engine and exhaust
system can become very hot,
park in a place where pedestri-
ans or children are not likely to
touch them.

Do not park on a slope or on soft
ground, otherwise the vehicle
may overturn.
CAUTION:

ECA10380
Never park in an area where there
are fire hazards such as grass or
other flammable materials.

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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
EAU17240
Safety is an obligation of the owner. Pe-
riodic inspection, adjustment and lubri-
cation will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. The most important points of in-
spection, adjustment, and lubrication
are explained on the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart
should be simply considered as a gen-
eral guide under normal riding condi-
tions. However, DEPENDING ON THE
WEATHER, TERRAIN, GEOGRAPHI-
CAL LOCATION, AND INDIVIDUAL
USE, THE MAINTENANCE INTER-
VALS MAY NEED TO BE SHORT-
ENED.
WARNING

EWA10320
If you are not familiar with mainte-
nance work, have a Yamaha dealer
do it for you.
EAU35010
Owner’s tool kit
The owner’s tool kit is located inside the
tool box.
The service information included in this
manual and the tools provided in the
owner’s tool kit are intended to assist
you in the performance of preventive
maintenance and minor repairs. How-
ever, additional tools such as a torque
wrench may be necessary to perform
certain maintenance work correctly.
NOTE:

If you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, have
a Yamaha dealer perform it for you.
WARNING

EWA10350
Modifications not approved by
Yamaha may cause loss of perfor-
mance and render the vehicle un-
safe for use. Consult a Yamaha
dealer before attempting any chang-
es.
1. Tool box
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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3. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove pan-
el C (See page 6-6.), remove the
reservoir cap, add coolant to the
maximum level mark, and then in-
stall the reservoir cap and the pan-
el.
CAUTION:

ECA10471

If coolant is not available, use
distilled water or soft tap water
instead. Do not use hard water
or salt water since it is harmful
to the engine.

If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the cooling system will not
be protected against frost and
corrosion.

If water has been added to thecoolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness of
the coolant will be reduced.
WARNING

EWA10380
Never attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.
NOTE:


The radiator fan is automatically
switched on or off according to the
coolant temperature in the radia-
tor.

If the engine overheats, see page
6-41 for further instructions.
EAU45152
To change the coolant
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and let the engine cool if nec-
essary.
2. Place a container under the engine
to collect the used coolant.
3. Remove the radiator cap retaining
bolt and radiator cap.
1. Maximum level mark
2. Minimum level mark
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1. Coolant reservoir cap
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt) (0.22 Imp.qt)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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WARNING

EWA10380
Never attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.
4. Remove the coolant reservoir by
removing the bolts.5. Remove the coolant reservoir cap.
6. Drain the coolant from the coolant
reservoir by turning it upside down.
7. Install the coolant reservoir by
placing it in the original position,
and then installing the bolts.8. Remove the coolant drain bolt to
drain the cooling system.
9. After the coolant is completely
drained, thoroughly flush the cool-
ing system with clean tap water.
10. Install the coolant drain bolt, and
then tighten it to the specified
torque.
NOTE:

Check the washer for damage and re-
place it if necessary.
11. Pour the specified amount of the
1. Radiator cap
2. Radiator cap retaining bolt
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1. Bolt
1. Coolant reservoir cap
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1. Coolant drain bolt
Tightening torque:
Coolant drain bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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EAU21382
Checking the throttle cable
free play
The throttle cable free play should mea-
sure 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in) at the
throttle grip. Periodically check the
throttle cable free play and, if neces-
sary, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
EAU21401
Valve clearance
The valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAU21640
Tires
To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, note the following points regarding
the specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING

EWA10500

The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).

The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
weight of rider, passenger, car-
go, and accessories approved
for this model.
1. Throttle cable free play
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